Cabinet has approved the adoption of an Adult Learning strategy for the next four years which will commit Merton to providing high quality and sustainable adult learning that will improve the social, economic, health and wellbeing outcomes for residents.
The strategy is underpinned by the council priorities: that every adult has access to a good or outstanding education; that it offers green skills courses; and that it helps increase the number of residents in good, well-paid jobs.
Merton will deliver this strategy by commissioning provision from the best providers in their field, and will use evidence-based approaches to inform our deliver. It aims to reduce inequalities across the borough by focussing investment on the most socially and economically disadvantaged.
The Adult Learning team saw 1,836 people enrol on 362 courses in the last complete academic year (2021-22), and was rated Good in its last Ofsted inspection, with inspectors praising how “leaders and managers ensure that learners benefit from high quality courses.”
In July 2022 the service was awarded a Quality Mark as part of the Mayor’s Skill Academies in Digital Skills, recognising its excellence in education provision and training. Merton Adult Learning was one of only 25 organisations across all fields in the capital to be recognised with the prestigious award.
Councillor Sally Kenny, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “I am passionate about education and lifelong learning and having been a teacher in the borough I understand the importance of education and the impact it has on people’s life chances.
“I am very excited about the next four years as set out in the strategy. The Adult Learning service is going from strength to strength, and have already improved the lives of thousands of people in the borough.
“I would encourage all residents to explore the wide range of courses that we have on offer which will enable them to continue to learn throughout their lives.”